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COVID-19 HIGHLIGHTS | Two new cases confirmed in Telangana, India tally crosses 250

Online Desk

Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh have joined the list of coronavirus positive states in India with four positive cases and two positive cases reported in each state respectively.

Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced that all private shops, offices and establishments in Mumbai, Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and Nagpur metropolitan regions will be shut from Friday midnight until March 31 after COVID-19 cases reached 52 in the state.

Meanwhile, the total number of cases reached 252.

A 69-year-old Italian tourist who had recovered from the coronavirus infection suffered a massive heart attack and died at a private hospital in Jaipur, but his death is not being attributed to the virus.

In all, 61 fresh cases were reported from various parts of the country, according to Union Health Ministry data.

Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation asked Indians to stay at home as far as possible in the few next weeks.

"You have never said no to me. I am here to seek your next few weeks. Isolate yourself as far as possible. We can't afford to let our guard down since science is yet to find a cure to this grave health crisis," he said, while suggesting a janata curfew (self-imposed curfew) on Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm.

His address came on a day when India recorded its fourth coronavirus death - a 70-year-old diabetic patient from Punjab - and the government decided to bar international travel for a week from March 22. Those above 65 and children below 10 were also advised to stay at home.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, one Indian who was infected with coronavirus in Iran also passed away.

Globally, the death toll from the virus has risen to over 10,000 with more than 232,650 cases in 158 countries and territories.

COVID-19: CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR STATE HERE

President to undergo corona test

Pesident Ram Nath Kovind will undergo coronavirus test on Saturday, according to Rashtrapati Bhavan sources. The President's decision comes in the wake of BJP MP Dushyant Singh's participation in an event where Kanika Kapoor, who is affected by COVID-19, was present on Sunday and the MP's subsequent meeting with the President.

Uber, Ola suspend pool ride service in India

Cab-hailing companies Uber and Ola said on Friday they have suspended pool ride services across India in the wake of growing new coronavirus fears.

The companies witnessed a huge drop in its pool service as people were afraid to share the rides with strangers while new coronavirus cases surged in the country.(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Kanika Kapoor who tested positive for coronavirus booked for negligence

Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor who tested positive for coronavirus booked for negligence: Lucknow police chief

( READ FULL STORY HERE)

Non elective procedures, surgeries in AIIMS postponed

All non-essential elective procedures and surgeries are to be postponed and only emergency life-saving surgeries will be taken up in various Operation Theaters (OTs) of AIIMS.

Two new cases in Telangana confirmed

Two Indonesian nationals tested positive for #COVID19 in Telangana. Total number of positive cases in the sate has reached 19: Dr. Shankar, Superintendent, Government Fever Hospital

Four cases confirmed in Madhya Pradesh; India tally mounts to 247

Universal screening for passengers coming from Australia, UK, USA: Health ministry

There will be universal screening for all passengers coming from Australia, the United Kingdom & USA and risk profiling them for either quarantine or isolation based on risk assessment.

Catering services in trains closed till further advice, refreshment rooms also closed: IRCTC

On-board catering services in mail or express trains to be closed until further advice. Food plazas, refreshment rooms, Jan aahars, & cell kitchens will also be closed

UP Minister, who was in party with singer Kanika Kapoor, self-isolates himself

Himachal confirms two cases, India tally rises to 243

Two COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed from Kangra district: Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur.

 (READ FULL STORY HERE)

No passenger trains on Janta curfew day, suburban train services to be reduced to bare minimum

  • No passenger trains to begin journey from 00:00 hours to 10 pm during Janta curfew on Sunday; mail/express trains to stop at 4 am Sunday, say sources.

  • All suburban train services to be reduced to bare minimum during Janta curfew on Sunday

    • Govt advises states to provide midday meals to students

    Global coronavirus updates

  • Coronavirus pandemic tightens grip; 10,000 dead worldwide

  • Donald Trump cancels in-person G7, summit to be held via video-conference

  • World Bank, ADB give USD 588 million to Pakistan to fight coronavirus pandemic

  • Pakistan reports third coronavirus death as confirmed cases jump to 464

  • 81-year-old woman dies in Australia, death toll reaches 7

  • Indians Embassy in Beijing issues travel advisory for Indians travelling to China

  • Italy's coronavirus kills priests who bless the dying

    • RBI to inject Rs 30,000 crore liquidity into market next week amid coronavirus outbreak

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will inject liquidity of Rs 30,000 crore through open market operations next week to maintain financial stability in the system in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. The RBI has decided to conduct purchase of government securities under open market operations (OMOs) for an aggregate amount of Rs 30,000 crore in two tranches of Rs 15,000 crore each in March, the central bank said in a statement.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Amid coronavirus outbreak, 16 Mumbaikars fined Rs 1,000 each for spitting

    Amid the novel coronavirus outbreak in Maharashtra, 16 people were penalised for spitting in public in south Mumbai in a single day, police said on Friday.

    All of them were fined Rs 1,000 each under the Maharashtra Police Act, an official said.

    "These people were caught spitting at Marine Drive, Colaba, MRA Marg and JJ Marg areas," he said.

    Three new cases of coronavirus infection were detected in Maharashtra on Friday, taking the number of confirmed cases in the state to 52. 

    Five infected in Ernakulam are foreigners

    Total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Kerala has gone up to 40

    Four more cases of COVID-19 in Chandigarh, third positive case in Punjab

    Four more cases of coronavirus have been reported from the Union Territory of Chandigarh and a third case has come to light in Punjab. Meanwhile, Section 144 has been imposed in Chandigarh and Haryana.

    READ FULL STORY HERE

    No hospital can turn away suspected COVID-19 patients: Centre

     With reports pouring in of people with symptoms of novel coronavirus being denied admission by private hospitals in many parts of the country, the Centre on Friday said that no hospital -- public or private -- can turn away suspected COVID-19 patients. All hospitals in the country have also been asked to set apart some beds and create isolation facilities.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Kerala reports 5 fresh cases

    COVID-19 confirmed for five people in Ernakulam district; test results of 13 people turn negative. The five infected people had accompanied a citizen from UK. 

    Trinamool MP Derek O'Brien goes into self-quarantine, say sources

    TMC MP Derek O'Brien self-quarantined himself after BJP MP Dushyant Singh, who sat beside him in Parliament, revealed that he attended a party by singer Kanika Kapoor, who has tested positive for COVID-19. Singh and his mother, former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, have gone into self-quarantine after attending Kapoor's party in Lucknow, Raje tweeted on Friday.

    READ FULL STORY HERE

    Shaheen Bagh protest to continue despite Delhi government's advisory against mass gatherings

    The women protesters in Shaheen Bagh will continue with their protest on Sunday, the day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people to remain inside their houses under a self-imposed curfew. The women have been blocking a side of a road connecting southeast Delhi to Noida since mid-December to protest against the amended citizenship law.


    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Kerala HC slaps Rs 50K fine on man seeking home delivery of liquor amid COVID-19 scare

    Exasperated over a plea seeking home delivery of liquor through online platforms at a time when the country is fighting a pandemic, the Kerala High Court on Friday imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on a petitioner.

    Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar directed the petitioner, G Jyothish of Desom, Aluva, to pay the amount to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund within two weeks and produce the receipt before the registrar general. If the petitioner fails to pay the amount, it should be recovered from him through revenue recovery proceedings.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Ex-Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje, son Dushyant self-quarantine

    Bengal reports second coronavirus case as Kolkata man who returned from UK tests positive

    West Bengal reported its second novel coronavirus case, after a 22-year-old Kolkata resident with a recent travel history to the UK tested positive, a senior state government official said on Friday. The man, who is pursing higher studies in the United Kingdom, had returned on March 13 and was admitted to the Beliaghata ID Hospital here on Thursday with COVID-19 symptoms, he said.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    HC extends restrictions on its functioning till April 3

    The Delhi High Court on Friday decided to extend till April 3 the ongoing restrictions on its functioning in view of the coronavirus outbreak. A circular issued by the high court made public its decision.
    The circular also indicated the judges who would be conducting proceedings during the period of restricted functioning. "The Administrative and General Supervision Committee has resolved that in order to combat the impending threat of coronavirus, the functioning of this court continue to stand restricted till April 3," the circular said. 

    HC issues notice to Centre, DGCA against bar on passenger travel from EU, UK

    The Delhi High Court Friday sought response of the Centre and DGCA on a plea challenging the Centre's circular prohibiting travel of passengers from European Union, UK, Turkey and European free trade association member nations from March 18 onwards to contain the spread of coronavirus pandemic. A bench of Justices J R Midha and I S Mehta issued notice to ministries of health and home affairs and Directorate General of Civil Aviation seeking their stand on the plea.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    UP govt designates 6 hospitals for coronavirus treatment

    Uttar Pradesh Government has designated six hospitals in Lucknow for treatment of Coronavirus- Lok Bandhu Hospital, Civil Hospital, Balrampur Hospital, King George's Medical University, Ram Manohar Lohia hospital and Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences. 

    Lucknow, where four positive cases were reported, shuts offices and institutions

    All offices, institutions except hospitals, pharmacists, medical stores, patholabs, services under Essential Commodities Act, in the areas of Khurram Nagar, Lucknow, to remain closed till March 23, where the four cases of Coronavirus, including singer Kanika Kapoor, tested positive. 

    Second test results of Punjab woman awaited from Pune

    The sample of the woman from Mohali who has tested positive for Coronavirus will be sent to Pune for 2nd test. Family members of the woman have been shifted to a hospital. We're doing contact tracing to avoid spread of the virus: Punjab Health & Family Welfare Minister BS Sidhu 

    WATCH | India reports 26 fresh cases as global death toll crosses 10,000

    SEBI reschedules recruitment process for 147 positions amid coronavirus outbreak

    Markets regulator Sebi has extended the deadline for applying for post of 147 senior-level executives by more than a month amid the coronavirus outbreak. On March 7, the regulator had invited applications for these positions as part of its plan to beef up its headcount for faster and more effective execution of its job. The application window, which was opened from March 7-23, has now been extended till April 30, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said in a notice. 

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Uttarakhand bans entry of domestic as well as foreign tourists

    Uttarakhand state government on Friday banned entry of both domestic as well as foreign tourists to the state amidst COVID-19 outbreak as a precautionary move.

    Nitesh Kumar Jha, state health secretary said, "Travels have been banned for all domestic and foreign tourists to Uttarakhand as a precautionary move to check the spread of Croronavirus until further orders."

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Delhi Metro to suspend its services on Sunday, March 22

    Government advises companies to implement 'Work from Home' policy

    The government has advised companies to implement 'Work from Home' policy for their staff to encourage "social distancing" to curb spreading of coronavirus infections. As part of relaxations in compliance requirements, the corporate affairs ministry has allowed companies to conduct board meetings through video conference and other audio visual means till June 30.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    All workplaces in Mumbai, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nagpur shut till March 31

    In the wake of coronavirus outbreak, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray made big announcement on Friday by closing down all private shops, offices and establishments in Mumbai, Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and Nagpur metropolitan regions from Friday midnight.  Only essential services like bakery, dairy, vegetable market, grocery shops will be kept open. Bank services will be also open for financial transactions.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the impact of the current situation on the global economy

    There would certainly be an impact of the global economy on all nations. But I feel there would be hardly any impact on India's defence procurement. The procurement procedure will be for the next five years. Also, we can't rule out the possibility that the global economy will improve in the next two to five months. The Draft Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2020 is ready and it will be put in the public domain: Rajnath Singh 

    Apollo Tyres' senior management takes pay cut as coronavirus batters automotive sector

    Apollo Tyres on Friday said its Chairman Onkar S Kanwar, Vice Chairman Neeraj Kanwar and other senior management personnel will take pay cuts, amid slowing demand due to the coronavirus pandemic. "Chairman and Managing Director Onkar S Kanwar and Vice Chairman and MD Neeraj Kanwar announced a 25 per cent reduction in their salary during these tough, testing times," Apollo Tyres said in a filing to the BSE.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Singer Kanika Kapoor tested positive for Coronavirus

    Maharashtra class 1-8 exams cancelled, students promoted to next class

    'All exams from class 1 to 8 are cancelleda and all students will be promoted to next class without exam,' announced Maharahstra Education Minister. Exams for class 9th and 11th will be conducted after 15th April, 2020.

    Star Health launches insurance policy to cover coronavirus patients without travel history exclusions

    The 'Star Novel Coronavirus' policy will provide a lump sum payment to any insured between age 18 to 65 years, who is declared positive by a government accredited test and is hospitalised for the same, the private health insurer said in a release here. (READ MORE)

    JUST IN: Tamil Nadu announces one day shutdown of restaurants on March 22

    Standing in solidarity with Prime Minister Modi's 'janta curfew,' the Tamil Nadu Hotels Association has announced one day shutdown of hotels on March 22. (Photo | Ashwin Prasath, EPS)

    No dine-in facility at eateries and hotels, says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

    CM Kejriwal also announced that six patients being treated for COVID-19 symptoms in the Capital are recovering, adding that his government would act strictly against those who try to run away from the quarantine facilities. (ALSO READ )

    One positive COVID-19 case found in the contained area of Sankoo, Kargil

    I miss my 4-yr-old girl: Doctor describes stress of Kerala isolation-ward staffers

    Though the dedication and sacrifice of doctors, nurses and attendants serving in the isolation wards of the medical colleges, where COVID-19-infected patients are treated, win them appreciation, it is often difficult for an outside person to gauge the stress they are under. (READ MORE)

    Chennai Corporation deployed 200 sprayers and workers to sanitize Chennai roads today

    Global coronavirus updates

  • Iranian leaders vow to overcome virus in new year messages

  • US approves anti-malarial drug to treat coronavirus 2020

  • US Presidential campaigns go digital amid fears of coronavirus spread

  • US announces 1 million dollar aid for Pakistan to combat coronavirus outbreak

  • Pakistan reports third coronavirus death

  • Over 13000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in US, fatalities 200

  • Death toll due to coronavirus in Italy rises to 3405

    • India to take part in China's coronavirus video conference

    Hyderabad based IT firms send computers to staffers’ houses for facilitating WFH

    These steps are essentially being taken by both big and small companies alike, as not all are authorized to have company laptop with them to carry home. Mostly, in a team, only a couple of members are provided the company laptops while others are not, making a blanket WFH impractical. (READ MORE)

    JNU asks students to vacate hostels amid coronavirus fears

    Italian tourist, who recovered from coronavirus, dies of cardiac arrest in Jaipur hospital

    A 69-year-old Italian tourist who had 'recovered' from novel coronavirus died at a private hospital in Jaipur, an official said on Friday. The tourist had a massive cardiac arrest late on Thursday night and he passed away, SMS Medical College principal Sudhir Bhandari said. (READ MORE)

    Three more test positive for coronavirus in Gujarat, total cases now 5

    Two positive cases had been found in Gujarat on Thursday- one each in Rajkot and Surat. (READ MORE)

    KERALA: All exams postponed due to COVID-19

    Even though the Union government had ordered the postponement of all examinations on Thursday, the state government had decided to go ahead as only three examinations remained for SSLC and Higher Secondary. (READ MORE)

    JUST IN: Tamil Nadu-Kerala border in Coimbatore will be closed from today

    Bengaluru's Central Crime Branch raids godowns, seizes fake sanitizers

    JUST IN: Pakistan reports third coronavirus death

    The number of coronavirus cases in the country has reached 451. The first two fatalities from the infection were reported in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. (READ MORE)

    Hospitality, tourism activity worth Rs 5 lakh crore to take a hit in India

    The nodal agency and policy federation of all national associations representing the tourism, travel and hospitality industry also wrote that the sector is staring at bankruptcies, business closures and mass unemployment. (READ MORE)

    Google dedicates doodle to scientist who discovered benefits of handwashing

    As a part of the doodle, the search engine has also recently added a public service announcement about five things that should be done to prevent contraction of the coronavirus.(READ MORE)

    Coronavirus: Release of Ranveer Singh's '83' put on hold

    The film, directed by Kabir Khan, was set to be released April 10 but it will now arrive in theatres at a later date. Ranveer took to his Twitter to share the news with his fans, saying "health and safety of the nation" came first. (READ MORE)

    206 people tests positive for coronavirus in India

    A total of 206 individuals have been confirmed positive among suspected cases and contacts of known positive cases. A total of 14,376 samples from 13,486 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 as on 20th March, 10.00 am according Indian Council of Medical Research. (Photo | Ashwin Prasath, EPS)

    Jaipur: Italian tourist recovered from coronavirus dies of cardiac arrest

    A 69-year-old Italian tourist, who had recovered from COVID-19, died of cardiac arrest in Jaipur private hospital according to SMS Hospital official.

    Andhra Pradesh to shut temples, mosques, cinemas and malls

    Earlier in the day, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy took stock of the situation at a high-level meeting. Stating that there is no need to panic, he urged people to cooperate with the authorities to effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19. Three have been tested positive for COVID-19 in the state. (READ MORE)

    A deserted Chennai airport as domestic flights get cancelled

    No passengers seen at domestic terminal of Chennai airport as many flights have been cancelled keeping in mind the spread of coronavirus. (Photo | Ashwin Prasath, EPS)

    KERALA: Two MLAs in quarantine after infected NRI has a field day

    Maharashtra doctor battles for life after private hospitals refuse to treat him fearing COVID-19

    Maharashtra Health minister Rajesh Tope said that they had asked the centre to extend COVID-19 testing facility to places like Dhule and Mirja but they have not responded yet. So far India has recorded over 195 cases of COVID-19 with Maharashtra having the most positive cases at 52. (READ MORE)

    All international flight operations will be temporarily suspended at Delhi Airport

    All international flight operations will be temporarily suspended at Delhi Airport from 22nd March, 0001 hrs GMT at the port of origin to 29th Mar, 0001 GMT as per the advisory issued by the Government of India. (Photo | Ashwin Prasath, EPS)

    'The onus is on us': Practice social distancing the right way

    KARNATAKA: Two patients recover, to be discharged on today

    One of them is the 47-year-old wife of a Dell techie (46) who had returned from the United States to Bengaluru on March 1. The techie and their 13-year-old daughter are also recovering well and will be discharged soon, Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar said on Thursday. (READ MORE)

    Railways installs unique mechanism to operate lifts without touching buttons

    Global updates on coronavirus

  • The number of global deaths due to the coronavirus pandemic has crossed 10,000

  • The International Cannes Film Festival ha sbeen delayed over coronavirus concerns

  • Daytime Emmys Awards has been cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic

  • US President Donald Trump cancels in-person G7, summit to be held via video-conference

  • Manchester United will continue to pay casual staff despite suspension of games

  • Two LA Lakers players test positive for COVID-19 in US

    • Special flight to airlift 210 Indians stuck in Malaysia?

    he Indians stranded at the Kuala Lumpur airport are facing problem; there is no dormitory facility beyond the immigration point. Representative of local community in Malaysia E Padma told TNIE the Indian High Commission is arranging food packets for the stranded Indians as most of them have no money. (READ MORE)

    WATCH | Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli share coronavirus safety message

    Doctor turned away by four private hospitals due to COVID-19 fears now on ventilator: Reports

    A doctor, who suffered high fever and breathlessness, was turned away by four private hospitals according to reports. There was a demand that the family first get a clearance that the patient does not suffer from coronavirus. After several hours, the doctor was finally admitted at Jalgaon’s Government Medical College. However due to the delay, he is now on ventilator support.

    UTTAR PRADESH: Four more people test positive in Lucknow

    Another man tests positive for coronavirus in West Bengal; second case in state

    Man with recent travel history to UK tests positive for COVID-19 in West Bengal. This is the second confirmed case in state according to a government official.

    Mohali woman tests positive for coronavirus; total cases in Punjab three

    Her samples were tested at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), the official said, adding that she would now be admitted to a hospital. (ALSO READ)

    MAHARASHTRA: Wholesale markets remain shut due to coronavirus

    KERALA: Small-time workers on movie sets may well be robbed of livelihood due to coronavirus

    While it will be like a short break from work for actors and lead technicians, who get hefty remuneration, those employed as production assistants, unit members, light boys, costume assistants, art assistant, make-up assistants and drivers will be literally fighting for their survival in the coming days. (ALSO READ)

    Google shares 'do the five steps' to tackle coronavirus outbreak

    Italy overtakes China to become country with most coronavirus deaths

    World leaders also unleashed nearly a trillion dollars to prop up the teetering global economy, only to see the once-in-a-century pandemic seemingly spiral further out of control. (ALSO READ)

    WORLD UPDATE: Over 13000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in US, detah toll touches 200

    WATCH | What you can do, fake news and other questions answered

    Implement 'Work from Home' policy for employees: Government advises companies amid COVID-19 scare

    In an advisory, Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti Srinivas also said the ministry is examining relaxations under the companies law that could be implemented in wake of the coronavirus outbreak. (READ MORE)

    INFOGRAPH: COVID-19 cases in India

    Coronavirus updates across the states of India

  • The count of coronavirus positive cases in India reaches 193.

  • Punjab first state to suspend public transport.

  • All government, semi-government departments in Rajasthan closed.

  • Eateries in Delhi shut; gathering of over 20 people banned in the capital.

  • Puri, Tirupati temples bar entry of devotees.

  • Tamil Nadu reports third posiitve COVID case. The 21-year-old man, who returned from Dublin has been kept in isolation.

  • First positive case was reported in Gujarat on Thursday. One was reported from Surat and the other from Rajokot.

  • Government has advised senior citizens, kids below 10-years age to stay indoors.

    • Delhi metro issues advisory

    Telangana reports 3 new cases

    Andhra reports third positive case

    Odisha reports 2nd positive case

    14 samples were tested at RMRC Bhubaneswar out of which one tested positive for COVID19. This is the second positive case in Odisha. The second confirmed case has a travel history to a COVID19 affected country. Contact tracing underway.

    WATCH | India decides to shut itself from the world, starting March 22

    Weekly markets to be shut in Tamil Nadu; supermarkets, grocery stores to remain open

    Weekly sandhais (markets) along with big textile shops, jewellery shops and hypermarkets and big departmental which have centralised air conditioning, from Friday. However, supermarkets and grocery stores which sell essential commodities, provision stores, fruit shops, medical shops and eateries will function as usual.(READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple to be closed till 31st March 

    Sec 144 to be imposed in urban areas of Chhattisgarh

    Tirupati Balaji temple to shut for devotees in preventive measure against coronavirus

    The temple, however, will not be closed completely and the archakas will be performing the daily rituals as usual, TTD Executive Officer AK Singhal said.

    Goa church absolves Catholics from attending Sunday Mass

    In a fresh advisory, the Goa Church on Thursday dispensed Catholics from the obligation of attending the Sunday Mass and also urged them against visiting the religious place for daily prayers in large groups.

    Goa shuts malls, pubs, weekly markets till March 31

    The Goa government on Thursday ordered a further clampdown on public spaces by directing the closure of pubs, malls, weekly markets and coaching classes till March 31. An order issued by the Director of state Health Services, Jose A.O. D'Sa, said on Thursday that the closure orders would come into effect from the midnight of March 20 and would be valid until March 31.

    PM Modi: I appeal to all not to go into panic buying to store essential commodities. Steps being taken to ensure that there is no scarcity of essential commodities.

    Clap, ring bells for 5 mins at 5 PM on March 22: PM calls countrymen to encourage those fighting the coronavirus situation

    PM Modi : Govt has decided to constitute COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force under Finance Minister. The task force will remain in regular touch with all stakeholders, take their feedback and make decisions accordingly

    ( READ FULL STORY HERE)

    PM Modi calls for ''janata curfew'' on March 22

  • You have never said no to me. I am here to seek your next few weeks. Isolate yourself as far as possible. We can't afford to let our guard down since science is yet to find a cure to this grave health crisis, he said.

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation has asked Indians to stay at home as far as possible in the next week.

  • The PM also requested everyone over 65 to stay at home. He told people of how there was eternal vigil in warlike situation and sought what he termed "janata curfew".

  • On Sunday, March 22, from 7 am to 9 pm, all countrymen have to follow "janata curfew". Nobody should step out from their homes, except those in essential services, he requested

    • Government keeping close watch on spread of coronavirus: PM Modi

  • This crisis has engulfed the entire human race. For the past two months, we have been watching with concern the news about coronavirus spreading across the world.

  • Till l now science has not been able to find a proper remedy for coronavirus and no vaccine has been developed yet. In such a situation, it is natural to worry.

  • For the last few days, it looks like if we are safe from coronavirus. This belief is not right. Hence, it is very important for every Indian to remain aware and alert.

  • Govt of India is keeping a close watch on the track record of the spread of Corovnavirus.

  • For a developing country like ours with a large population the growing challenge of Coronavirus is not a normal situation

    • Kerala CM announces special package

    WATCH | PM Modi addresses nation on coronavirus

    PM Narendra Modi addresses the nation shortly.  

    Gujarat reports 2 coronavirus positive cases

    Two positive cases of coronavirus found in Gujarat; first infections reported from state: Health department 

    Two coronavirus patients in Karnataka completely recovered

    Two coronavirus positive patients have completely recovered and will be discharged tomorrow. They will be kept under home quarantine for 14 days as a precautionary measure: Karnataka Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar 

    JNU to remain close till March 31

    Jawaharlal Nehru University shall remain closed from today till March 31. All activities in the university, including services in hostels, schools & administration are suspended till the said date. All Students are required to vacate the hostels: JNU Registrar Pramod Kumar 

    Those landing in Telangana from other countries to be home quarantined: KCR

    People coming here from abroad will be home quarantined; Grocery shops and several basic amenities stores to remain open, but no large gatherings shall be encouraged. 18 checkpoints have been established to monitor people entering from neighboring states: Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao  

    2 Catholic proests booked for conducting mass

    Rajinikanth lauds Tamil Nadu government for preventive measures

    India bans international flights, SOP issued for foreign-returned passengers at Delhi airport

    Amid coronavirus pandemic, India on Thursday announced it will not allow any international commercial passenger aircraft to land from March 22 to March 29.

    The central government said the railways and Civil Aviation Ministry must suspend all concessional travel on trains and flights, except for students, patients and disabled people.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    'Game of Thrones' star Indira Varma tests positive for coronavirus

    Indira Varma has revealed that she has tested positive for coronavirus. Her diagnosis comes two days after fellow "Game of Thrones" actor Kristofer Hivju also said that he tested positive for the COVID-19 infection. Varma, who played the role of Ellaria Sand in the epic HBO series, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the news. "I'm in bed with it and it's not nice. Stay safe and healthy and be kind to your fellow people," she wrote.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Kerala's 'corona' shop gains selfie fame amid COVID-19 pandemic

    RBI asks most of its staff work from home

     The headquarters alone has around 2,000 people working from the two Mint Road offices, while others are spread across the CBD Belapur Tech Centre, BKC and Mumbai Central offices etc.

    The RBI has advised central office departments and regional offices to identify areas where people can manage work by being at home and those where the staff has to be present in office.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Assam man who fled Kerala quarantine centre traced in train, kept in isolation

    An Assam man, who fled a quarantine centre in Kerala, was traced at an Express train in Assam’s New Bongaigaon railway station on Wednesday night by the personnel of Railway Protection Force of the Northeast Frontier Railway (RPF).

    The NFR said it had received information on the man, Sariful Islam (24), from Assam’s Morigaon district police which said he had jumped quarantine in Kerala. He hails from Morigaon.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    MEA update on COVID-19

    One Indian who tested positive for COVID-19 in Iran has died: MEA 

    Kerala reports positive case from Kasaragod

    Axis Bank urges customers to use net banking, mobile app instead of visiting branches

    Private sector lender Axis Bank on Thursday urged its customers to avoid visiting branches in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak and instead, use internet banking, mobile app and chatbot for banking services.

    In an e-mail sent to its customers, Axis Bank MD & CEO Amitabh Chaudhry said the bank is constantly monitoring the evolving situation around the pandemic and taking "proactive steps" to safeguard all employees and customers visiting offices, branches and ATMs.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    WATCH | Kerala exempts 598 bars and 357 liquor shops from lockdown

    Bengal government to provide midday meals to school children at their houses

    West Bengal Government has announced to provide Rs 5 lakh insurance each to 10 lakh government medical staff across the state till 15th April. It further announced that mid-day meals will be provided to school children at their houses, reports ANI. 

    Angered by delay, man slips out of UP hospital after giving samples for coronavirus test

    Annoyed at the delay by health officials in taking his samples for novel coronavirus test, a 47-year-old man slipped out of a hospital in Mathura after giving his samples. The incident, which happened on Wednesday, has panicked the medical college management and the health department. Officials are scrambling to reach him on the phone and request him to return.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Uttarakhand MLAs to donate Rs 15 lakh each to check COVID-19

    Uttarakhand MLAs on Thursday decided to give Rs 15 lakh to their respective constituencies from their MLA funds to fight ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. At present, the state has a total of 70 MLAs. 

    The decision proposed in state cabinet meeting was accepted by all state legislative assembly members cutting across party lines.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    MoS accuses media of twisting his statement

    Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey claims that the media has twisted his statement about sitting in the sunlight. "My statement only meant that sitting in sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes improves immunity, provides Vitamin D and kills germs and viruses," the minister told ANI. 

    Tirumala shuts down as elderly man with COVID-19 symptoms collapses outside shrine

    The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Thursday closed the Alipiri toll gate and also the two trekking paths to the hill shrine of Tirumala after an elderly person with coronavirus symptoms collapsed near Srivari Temple.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    PM chairs high-level meeting to review efforts to contain COVID-19

  • Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating COVID-19 including the various State Governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with the aviation sector, municipal staff and others.

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19. He emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organizations in chalking out mechanisms to fight the COVID-19.

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next.

    • WATCH | How is coronavirus impacting Kashmir?

    GoI has advised all citizens above the age of 65 and children below 10 to stay at home

    Chennai reports third COVID-19 positive case

    Puri Jagannath Temple to shut from Friday

    The administration of Jagannath Temple in Puri has decided to close the shrine for devotees from Friday. "Despite closure for the general public, rituals will be carried out as usual at the temple," Krishan Kumar, Chief Administrator, Shree Jagannath Temple of Puri, informed reporters. He added that only priests and sevayats will be allowed to enter the temple premises. 

    WATCH | How Rachakonda traffic police are creating coronavirus awarenesss

    Indian-origin researcher Arinjay Banerjee among scientists who isolated COVID-19 virus strain

    Indian-origin postdoctoral researcher Arinjay Banerjee was part of a team of Canadian scientists that managed to isolate the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the agent responsible for the outbreak of COVID-19 that has infected more than 200,000 globally.

    Banerjee is a postdoctoral researcher at McMaster University, with research interests in innate immunology, virology, emerging infections, molecular biology, among others.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    HCL employee at Noida office tests positive for coronavirus

     The employee is currently in an isolation ward, the company said in a statement, adding that all prescribed protocols of sanitisation and contact tracing have been done.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Platform ticket price hiked

    Rate of platform tickets at Hubli, Belagavi and Ballari stations increased to Rs 50 till 31st March, to control crowding at platforms: Public Relations Officer (PRO), South Western Railway 

    Centre orders work from home for half of its staffers

    50 percent of Group B and C employees are required to attend office every day, and the remaining 50 percent of staff should be instructed to work from home. Working hours of the employees should be altered: Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions  

    READ FULL STORY HERE

    US President Donald Trump signs multi-billion dollar coronavirus aid package

    US President Donald Trump has signed into law a sweeping multi-billion emergency aid package to help Americans mitigate the adverse economic impact of the fast-spreading coronavirus that has killed over 8,800 people, including nearly 150 in America.

    The bill, called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, includes provisions offering paid sick leave for impacted workers and free COVID-19 testing.

    READ FULL REPOERT HERE

    Amid coronavirus fears, IndiGo announces pay cut for senior employees; Air India may follow suit

    IndiGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta announced on Thursday that the airline was instituting pay cuts for senior employees and he would himself take the highest cut of 25 per cent amid the novel coronavirus pandemic that has hit the aviation industry hard.

    Government-owned Air India may cut the salary of employees by 5 per cent amid its growing financial woes particularly in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, which has nearly grounded its entire international operations, sources said.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    97 Indians passengers stranded in Singapore due to coronavirus travel ban

     Nearly 100 Indian travellers, arriving from the Philippines and Malaysia, are stranded at Singapore's Changi Airport and are unable to get back home due to the travel restrictions imposed by India in response to the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic, the Indian High Commission said here on Thursday. The Commission said it was working out arrangements to put the 97 stranded Indians on a flight back to India.

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Western Railways suspends services of local AC trains in Maharashtra

    AC local services on Western Railway in Maharashtra will be cancelled from tomorrow & will be replaced by non-AC suburban services, till 31st March: Public Relations Officer Western Railway  

    23-year-old woman tests positive, first coronavirus case in Chandigarh

    A 23-year-old woman, who returned from London, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the first confirmed case of the deadly infection in the Union territory, an official said on Thursday. (READ MORE)

    London returnee tests positive for coronavirus in Chhattisgarh, first in state

    A 24-year-old woman, who had recently returned to Raipur from London, has tested positive for coronavirus, making her the first confirmed case in Chhattisgarh, health officials said on Thursday. (READ MORE)

    WATCH | No need to panic, says doctor who is successfully treating coronavirus patients

    Chief Ministers of all the states as well as State Health Ministers will talk to PM Narendra Modi tomorrow at 4 pm, through video conferencing: Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope

    Gandhi Ashram in Gujarat to remain shut

    Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad closed for visitors till March 29, in wake of coronavirus.

    Two patients tested positive are on ventilator in Mumbai hospital

    Two patients who have been tested positive for coronavirus are on ventilator at Kasturba Hospital, Mumbai: Rajesh Tope, Maharashtra Minister of Public Health & Family Welfare

    MEA to hold presser

    Ministry of External Affairs to hold a media briefing on coronavirus, at 4 pm today in Delhi.

    43 Indians sent to quarantine facility in Amritsar

    43 Indians who arrived last night through Attari-Wagah Border have been sent to quarantine facility in Amritsar. Parijeet Kaur Johal, Civil Surgeon says,"29 have travel history of Dubai&14 are students studying in Pakistan. Medical reports sent to state government".

    Schools will remain closed for all: Government of Delhi

    In view of Coronavirus, all schools will remain closed for all the students, Heads of Schools, teaching and non-teaching staff from 19th March to 31st March. Evaluation work of annual exams are to be carried by concerned teachers from their homes: Government of Delhi

    Total number of positive cases reaches 49 in Maharashtra: Rajesh Tope

    All tourist places in Meghalaya to remain closed till 31st March

    All tourist places in Meghalaya to remain closed till 31st March and there is a possibility that this may be extended up to 15th April. All tourists are requested to re-schedule their travel plans: Director, Information & Public Relations, Meghalaya.

    Six passengers who returned from Singapore recently & have 'home quarantine stamp' on their hands, were deboarded from Saurashtra Express at Borivali Railway Station today: Public Relations Officer (PRO), Western Railway.

    Group of Ministers meeting on coronavirus will be held at Nirman Bhawan, shortly.

    After first positive case, restrictions imposed in Srinagar

    Authorities in Srinagar on Thursday announced restrictions in parts of the city including Khanyar area where the first positive case of coronavirus in Kashmir has been detected. (READ MORE)

    UGC tells universities to postpone exams, suspend evaluation work

    The University Grants Commission (UGC) directed all universities and affiliated colleges on Thursday to postpone examinations till March-end due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. (READ MORE)

    Punjab bans public transport, prohibits gathering of more than 20

    Punjab government has banned public transport in the state from March 21 when all buses, autorickshaws and tempos will cease plying. The government has also decided to limit the public gathering to 20 from the existing 50.

    Coimbatore's VOC Park and Zoo closed till 31st March

    Two more persons have tested positive in Lucknow

    Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Lucknow, taking the total number of cases to 5. All the patients are stable: Sudhir Singh, COVID-19 isolation ward in-charge, King George's Medical University.

    Mumbai's 'Dabbawalas' have suspended their services

    In Conversation: India's coronavirus warrior - his life and fears

    AP government setup two Control Rooms, one each in Delhi and Andhra

    Andhra Pradesh government setup two Control Rooms, one each in Delhi and Andhra Pradesh to facilitate safe return of students from abroad to their native places. Control Room in Delhi at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan. Second Control Room in Andhra Pradesh Non-Residential Telugu Society.

    After Uddhav's appeal, Maharashtra suburban trains see drop in commuter count by 8 lakh

    The number of commuters on suburban trains of the Western Railway reduced by over 8 lakh on Tuesday, the day Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray appealed to people to avoid non-essential travel in view of the coronavirus outbreak in the state. (READ MORE)

    GoAir to continue operations in Mizoram, say officials

    Budget carrier GoAir has decided to withdraw its earlier notification to suspend all flight operations to Mizoram amid the coronavirus scare, officials said. (READ MORE)

    We are fighting a war against coronavirus: Maharashtra CM

    We are fighting a war against coronavirus. We all have to take precautionary measures, avoid unnecessary travelling. The situation is not critical but it is worrisome: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray

    People should spend at least 15 minutes in the sun: Ashwini Kumar Choubey

    INTERVIEW | Anti-HIV drugs can cure coronavirus, says doctor who cured three patients

    Amid the corona scare across the world, Jaipur’s SMS Hospital came to limelight as its team of doctors cured three of the four patients admitted there with a novel combination of drugs. Rajesh Asnani speaks to Dr Prakash Keswani, Senior Professor at the Department of Medicine and head of the team that treated the patients: (READ MORE)

    ICSE board exams for classes 10, 12 postponed till March 31

    The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) Chief Executive Gerry Arathoon said the exams have been postponed till March 31. (READ MORE)

    Laundry workers refuse to wash clothes of coronavirus patients

    Growing concern over the spread of coronavirus was evident at the local government medical college, where laundry service staff refused to wash clothes from the isolation ward which has three Covid-19 patients and another four under observation. (READ MORE)

    Two women test positive for coronavirus in Mumbai

    Two women tested positive for coronavirus in Mumbai metropolitan region on Thursday, taking the number of such cases in Maharashtra to 47, officials said. (READ MORE)

    Andhra Pradesh records second coronavirus case

    Andhra Pradesh recorded the second case of coronavirus with a 23-year-old student, who recently returned from London, testing positive for the virus in Prakasam district. He is presently treated at the isolation ward in the Rajiv Institute of Medical Sciences, Ongole. (READ MORE)

    1,890 with travel history quarantined in Chennai

    Teynampet and Adyar zones of the city corporation have the highest number of people quarantined in their houses, according to data available with the civic body. (READ MORE)

    Unorganised sector bears brunt of near-shutdown

    While most of Chennai shut down on Tuesday, people working for the unorganised sector including construction labourers, watchmen, cab and auto drivers were majorly affected. (READ MORE)

    Coronavirus impact: Still trying to figure out the whole work-from-home thing?

    People around the world are bracing for a long stretch at home thanks to Covid-19, and boomers and millennials alike are going to have to figure out how to stay focused even as they stay indoors for an indeterminate period of time. (READ MORE)

    Coronavirus fear hits markets in Delhi

    Amid the coronavirus outbreak, various markets in the national capital witnessed a sharp decline in business activities on Wednesday as fears over the virus kept shoppers at bay. (READ MORE)

    Odisha hoteliers seek revival support to tackle coronavirus

    Hit hard by COVID-19, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) on Wednesday sought the support of Centre to overcome the financial crisis. (READ MORE)

    Free self-help portal to fight COVID-19

    SurveySparrow, a cloud-based customer-experience platform, has announced a six-month free survey product for organisations with an exclusive COVID-19 self-help portal and ready-to-use form catalogue. (READ MORE)

    Kerala cop removed from service for running away from coronavirus isolation ward

    A Kerala cop has been removed from service (name removed from rolls, but not dismissed yet), after he ran away from the isolation ward at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital and stayed at the Armed Reserve police camp for two days. (READ MORE)

    Business takes a hit in tech lanes of Hyderabad due to coronavirus fear

    The spread of Coronavirus has drastically affected those who are dependent on the coaching and technical training institutes at Ameerpet in Hyderabad. The highly populated area caters to the needs of aspiring software professionals as well as allied business sectors such as food, hostels, stationery, photocopiers and roadside vendors. (READ MORE)

    To tackle protective gear shortage, AIIMS doctors use self-made hand sanitisers, plastic masks

    Amid the rising cases of coronavirus in the national capital, medical experts at the AIIMS here are using hand sanitizers and plastic face shields, which they have made themselves, as makeshift PPE while they look after COVID-19 patients. The doctors of the microbiology department have made hand sanitisers and face shields (masks) in their laboratory as they are witnessing the shortage of personal protective gears in the hospital.

    Two immigration officers sent to 12 days home quarantine

    Two immigration officers of Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport have been sent to 12 days home quarantine. Both of them were present at the counter during the clearance of 18-yr-old youth who has been tested positive for COVID-19.

    Coronavirus outbreak: Now robots to take on deadly virus in Kerala

    Are you at risk? Should you get tested for COVID-19?

    The Union government has released multiple regulations about who should be tested, quarantined and screened, as per their risk assessment. According to the Union Health Ministry, one should get tested only if they have symptoms such as cough, fever or difficulty in breathing. (READ MORE)

    COVID-19 outbreak: Impact on Tollywood till now

    It’s been five days since the activities in the Telugu cinema industry have been put on hold due to the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. With no releases in sight and the shootings and other events suspended due to the scare, Tollywood is being hit hard. The abrupt halt is more worrying because it comes at a time when a regular stream of films are set for release during the lucrative summer holiday season. (READ MORE)

    Now, your vehicle too needs to be protected from COVID-19

    We are seeing it everywhere. All the conversations are around coronavirus and how to avoid it. While we take precautions such as keeping our hands clean, not touching our faces, and limiting travel, what about our vehicles? (READ MORE)

    Is coronavirus social distancing us or bringing us together?

    Coronavirus has left all of us at our wit’s end on how to pass time. Notwithstanding jokes on social media on husbands and kids being home the whole day, families are faced with the real task of being ‘stuck’ together at home for days on end. Even people living alone face a challenging time, as limited social contact can lead to boredom and depression. (READ MORE)

    Treatment Protocol

    Doctors worried as COVID posive patient visited Victoria Hospital

    One of the patients who tested positive has spent more than three hours in Victoria Hospital and has left several doctors worried. The 25-year-old patient who returned from UK is said to be a relative of one the senior doctors from the Nephrourology unit. (READ MORE)

    Now, you can self-report COVID-19 infection online

    Tamil Nadu Health Department launched an exclusive web portal on Wednesday, providing all information on coronavirus, with an option to self-report infection. (READ MORE)

    WATCH | What diabetics need to do in the time of coronavirus

    ICSE postpones class 10th and 12th exams

    Eight new positive cases reported in Telangana in one single day

    As Telangana recorded eight new Covid-19 positive cases in a single day, seven of which are primary contacts of the Indonesian preacher who lived in a Karimnagar mosque, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has convened a high-level meeting on Thursday to impose more restrictions on movement of people to effectively prevent the spread of the dreaded virus. (READ MORE)

    Three held for spreading rumours on coronavirus in Odisha

    Police arrested three persons for spreading rumours on coronavirus in Talcher and Berhampur on Wednesday. They were identified as Jayakrishna Sahu of Badasingada village in Talcher and trader Subash Sahu and his brother Sudhar Sahu of Bada Bazaar in Berhampur. (READ MORE)

    Pay and use quarantine facility in Odisha hotels to tackle coronavirus

    Amid fear of coronavirus spread, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday announced paid quarantine facilities at three premier hotels in the city for people flying in from abroad and need to be under quarantine. (READ MORE)

    No section 144, Odisha government stresses on coronavirus awareness

    Realising that imposition of Section 144 of CrPC to prevent public gathering and enforce social distancing is creating unnecessary panic among the people, the State Government has moved to restrict such prohibitory orders by district and police administration. (READ MORE)

    Coronavirus status quo, lone patient stable in Odisha

    With proactive measures by the government and people, Odisha has so far not shown any surge in coronavirus cases. The state continues to have only one positive case that was confirmed on March 15. (READ MORE)

    Malayali nurse in Italy dies of suspected COVID-19 infection

    As Italy continues to witness a gradual surge in the number of Covid-19 deaths, a Malayali male nurse died in Milan with suspected symptoms of the disease. The cause of death is yet to be ascertained. The deceased was Mathew MK alias Joji, 57, who hailed from Kadamanchira near Changanassery. (READ MORE)

    No new cases, but extreme vigil continues in Kerala

    No new cases of Covid-19 were reported from the state for the second straight day on Wednesday. However, the number of people under observation in the state rose by 7,861 to touch 25,366. (READ MORE)

    As fear grows, NRIs feel alienated at home

    Life has been going on smoothly for Akin Raj Antony in the UAE before his private money exchange firm started facing financial issues suddenly. Adding to it, the Arab nation started reporting Covid-19 cases. Akin and his colleagues, who dealt mostly with expatriates daily, started feeling the heat. (READ MORE)

    Coronavirus scare: 'We are not ‘angels’, we are professionals'

    Sunday, March 15, 2.30 am. A bus carrying around 48 Malayali students from Kalaburagi in Karnataka pulled up before the District Hospital at Chemmattamvayal near Kanhangad. The students were a panicked lot. They were fleeing the town after it reported India’s first Covid-19 death. “All of them wanted to be tested for the infection. There was chaos in the bus,” said health inspector Balan P V, who is part of the help desk -- a tent pitched in front of the District Hospital. (READ MORE)

    Kerala takes lead, plans mass screening at public places

    As fears of community transmission of coronavirus grows, Kerala, which has so far been ahead of the game in fighting the menace, is giving shape to a massive screening campaign. (READ MORE)

    Virus outbreak leaves migrants jobless

    ound of sewing machines used to fill Ahamed Siddique’s relatively large garment-producing unit, but what welcomes one there now are a pile of sacks with readymade clothes stuffed into them. (READ MORE)

    Lakshadweep to insulate itself from virus spread

    As Kerala takes precautions against coronavirus spread on a war footing, a cluster of islands about 220km away has been fighting hard to insulate itself from the outer world. The Lakshadweep islands -- India’s smallest Union Territory and in close proximity to Kerala -- now has eight people in quarantine, including four Keralites. So far, no positive cases have been reported from there. (READ MORE)

    Official ‘quarantines’ son in railway facility, stokes fears

    A gazetted woman railway employee has put many other officers of the South Western Railway Zone and possibly several hundred members of the public at risk by quietly checking in her 25-year-old son, who returned to Bengaluru from Germany via Spain, at an Officers Rest House (ORH) near the KSR Railway Station on March 13. (READ MORE)

    Schools, colleges, universities shut till March end in Andhra Pradesh

    Government decides to close all educational institutes till end of March; officials to ensure more than 10 persons don’t gather in public places; private sector employees urged to work from home; next 15 days crucial, says Chief Secretary. (READ MORE)

    Double blow for Telugu students stuck in Manila

    As many as 2,000 Indian students are trapped in the Philippines as there is complete shutdown in its capital Manila in view of the spread of COVID-19. In another blow for the Indian students in Manila, a level-two warning was issued for Taal volcano in the Philippines. (READ MORE)

    Even patients avoid hospital due to positive case in Nellore

    Usually buzzing with activity, the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Nellore now wears a deserted look. The number of outpatients (OPs) has fallen by more than 60 per cent, and even those who are admitted are pleading with doctors to send them home. (READ MORE)

    Enhancing vigilance of foreign returnees in Andhra Pradesh districts

    With the admission of a suspected COVID-19 case in Ongole Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) isolation ward recently, district administration is now vigilant tto movement of foreign returnees in the district. The district authorities have issued notices to all foreign returnees and their family members asking them to provide information about their health condition without fail. (READ MORE)

    Notices issued to 49 foreign returnees in Tenali

    Tenali civic authorities have issued notices to foreign returnees requesting them to stay in home isolation for 14 days. Reportedly, more than 49 persons have come from foreign countries to Tenali. (READ MORE)

    Case registered against two doctors for claiming to cure coronavirus

    Case registered against two doctors in Maharashtra's Vasai and Nala Sopara for putting up hoardings outside their clinics, claiming to cure coronavirus. Further investigation underway.

    826 samples tested, none of them are positive so far: ICMR

    826 samples tested, none of them are positive so far: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on random samples tested so far to rule out community transmission of COVID-19

    One person has been tested positive for COVID-19 in Kodagu

    One person has been tested positive for COVID-19 in Kodagu today; he has travel history to Saudi Arabia. He is being treated in an isolated hospital. Total number of positive cases reaches 15 in the state: B Sriramulu, Karnataka Health Minister

    Two new isolation wards will be set up at Asian Institute of Medical Science

    In view of the COVID-19 cases reported from Gautam Buddha Nagar, two new isolation wards will be set up at Asian Institute of Medical Science in Sector 40 and Mitra Hospital in Sector 35 in Noida: District Magistrate Gautam Buddha Nagar

    22-year-old woman tested positive for COVID-19 in Mumbai

    A 22-year-old woman tested positive for COVID-19 in Mumbai; has travel history to United Kingdom. One more person, a 49-year-old woman from Ulhasnagar tested positive today; has travel history to Dubai. Total no. of positive cases reaches 47 in state: Maharashtra Health Ministry

    Indian Railways cancel trains

    Indian Railways has cancelled 168 trains due to low occupancy in view of COVID-19, from 20th March to 31st March.

    ISKCON Temples in Noida's Sector 33 closed for devotees

    ISKCON Temples (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) in Noida's Sector 33 closed for devotees from today till 31st March.

    China reports zero new domestic coronavirus cases for first time

    China on Thursday marked a major milestone in its battle against the coronavirus pandemic as it recorded zero domestic infections for the first time since the outbreak emerged, but a spike in imported cases threatened its progress. (READ MORE)

    Trinamool Congress parliamentary party’s daily media briefings suspended

    All India Trinamool Congress parliamentary party’s daily media briefings at the party office in the Parliament have been suspended from today, till 31st March.

    Mass gatherings suspended at St. Michael's Church

    Mass gatherings suspended at St. Michael's Church in Mumbai's Mahim till 1st April, in view of coronavirus.

    All efforts should be made to ensure that the under trial prisoners are not physically summoned in District Courts. District judges shall ensure that remand/required judicial work be conducted through video conferencing, wherever possible: Allahabad High Court

    Coronavirus Impact: Education Interrupted

    Flights cancelled at Chennai Airport

    50 international flights and 34 domestic flights have been cancelled at Chennai Airport.

    Allahabad High Court directs the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary, all District Magistrates of the state and financial institutions not to proceed with any recovery or demolition till 6th April.

    Haridwar DM issues order prohibiting the entry of visitors to Ganga Aarti site

    Haridwar District Magistrate C Ravishankar has issued order prohibiting the entry of visitors to Ganga Aarti site at Har-ki-Pauri till 31st March. However, the Aarti will continue to be held and will be live-streamed for devotees.

    Tracking COVID-19

    Fine of Rs 1,07,000 collected from 107 people for spitting in open: BMC

    Fine of Rs 1,07,000 collected from 107 people for spitting in open. 46 people were also given warning: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

    Assam issues advisory over closure of all liquor bars

    Government of Assam has issued advisory over closure of all liquor bars (county bar), night clubs, beauty parlous, and salons in the state, as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19.

    We are doing our utmost to ensure that we take care of what is required: Union Health Minister

    Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, who visited the IGI Airport, said, "I reviewed the arrangements we have made here to ensure everything is running smoothly. We are doing our utmost to ensure that we take care of what is required to manage the situation in a scientific & professional manner."

    ICSE exams will be held as per schedule

    Dr. G. Immanuel, Chairman of Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations: ICSE exams will be held as per schedule.

    Chennai: zone-wise breakup of number of cases quarantined

    Still trying to figure out the whole work-from-home thing?

    While certain companies, like those producing content (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others) or mobile/console games (Tencent’s PUBG, Call of Duty, and others), are seeing increased growth and usage, most others are trying to figure out this whole work-from-home thing. (READ MORE)

    JUST IN: A 23-year-old woman has tested positive for COVID-19 in Chandigarh. She has travel history to the United Kingdom.

    WATCH | Doctor's take: How I cured coronavirus using anti-HIV drugs

    EDITORIAL | Testing times as India tries to keep virus at bay

    Officially speaking, India is poised between Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the disease spread: that is, between the primary infected coming in from abroad, and them infecting a second layer of others. (READ MORE)

    WATCH | Health Minister inspects Delhi's IGI Airpot

    OPINION: Fighting the Covid pandemic

    Chaos, panic and anxiety are rampant as people stock up on food and other daily supplies, fearing isolation. Hand sanitisers and face masks have been declared as ‘essential commodities’ by the government, though they are unavailable almost everywhere. (READ MORE)

    Tamil Nadu gears up in fight against coronavirus as state reports second positive case

    WhatsApp launches coronavirus info hub, donates USD 1 million to International Fact-Checking Network

    It said that the site also offers general tips and resources for users around the world to reduce the spread of rumours and connect with accurate health information. (READ MORE)

    JUST IN: Mauritius confirms first three cases of COVID-19- Government

    Goa State Health Minister inspects Dabolim Airport

    Italy reports 475 new deaths due to COVID-19

    Italy on Wednesday reported 475 new deaths due to coronavirus which has claimed thousands of lives worldwide, reported Al Jazeera. The total cases in Italy have now topped 35,000 with virus claiming over 2500 lives in the European country.

    Globally, more than 2 lakh people have been infected with the virus while the death toll has crossed 8000. (READ MORE)

    PM Modi to address nation on COVID-19 at 8 pm

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Thursday 8 p.m. and will talk about issues relating to the pandemic diseases and the efforts to combat it. ( READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Indian Embassy in US releases advisory

    Brief highlights of what happened in the last 24 hours

  • Section 144 CrPC imposed in many parts of Odisha IIT

  • Bombay shuts down campus, closes all activities till March 31

  • Amitabh Bachchan gets 'Home Quarantined' stamp on hand, spreads awareness on COVID-19

  • Goa Health Ministry falls prey to Covid-19 hoax, health minister confirms one case and retracts later

  • 255 Indians in Iran infected with coronavirus, confirms MEA in Lok Sabha

  • Roche Diagnostics becomes India's first private firm to get COVID-19 test approval

  • Odisha CM register sister's details in govt portal for persons coming from abroad

  • Suresh Prabhu goes into self-quarantine as precautionary measure after coming from Saudi

  • Action sought against 'Healer' Baskar for terming COVID-19 'Illuminati conspiracy' (READ FULL STORY)

  • Section 144 imposed in Rajasthan after 3 new positive cases reported

  • CBSE, JEE mains exams postponed

  • Number of positive cases in Maharashtra rises to 45

  • PM to address nation on Thursday at 8 pm on the novel coranavirus and the government's combat efforts (READ FULL STORY)

  • 7 Indonesian nationals have tested positive in Telangana

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